The Serpant's Heart (Mattheo Riddle)

A New Chapter: Lennon's Anticipation for Quidditch Tryouts

"You're going to love it, I promise!" Lennon said, her eyes shimmering with excitement as she tugged her little brother's arm, pulling him through the bustling crowd at King's Cross station.

The Weasleys, a red-haired clan of eight, had invited Lennon to tag along on their trip to Platform 9¾. It wasn't her first time, but the magic never lost its allure. The way the muggles stumbled over the invisible barrier, the sudden burst of cold air, and the sight of the Hogwarts Express waiting patiently on the tracks—it was like stepping into a secret world she never wanted to leave. Lennon's heart raced as they approached the platform, her eyes searching for her friend Oliver Wood. She hadn't seen him since the end of term, and she was eager to hear about his summer playing Quidditch.

Oliver's head popped up from the crowd, his grin wide and welcoming. He looked more muscular than ever, his Quidditch gear slung over one shoulder. Lennon waved, her cheeks flushing slightly as their eyes met. He pushed through the throng of students, his stride long and confident, and greeted her with a firm handshake that turned into a warm hug.

"McCauley!" he boomed. "Ready for another year of magic and mayhem?"

Lennon laughed, feeling a thrill of anticipation. "You bet I am, Wood."

Oliver leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And have you heard the rumors about this year's Quidditch team?"

Lennon's eyes widened. "No, what's going on?"

Lennon is excitedly taking her younger brother to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station to join the Weasleys on their way to Hogwarts. She's looking forward to seeing her friend Oliver Wood, who has grown more muscular from his Quidditch training. Upon reuniting, Oliver hints at intriguing rumors about the upcoming school year's Quidditch team.

Oliver's grin grew mischievous. "They're saying we might have a shot at the Quidditch Cup this year. Madam Hooch has been scouting new talent like crazy, and some of the older players have been training harder than ever. It's going to be intense."

Lennon felt a flicker of excitement. "Really? Maybe I'll finally get to see you play in the finals!"

Oliver's expression grew serious. "With you as our secret weapon, who knows what could happen."

Lennon's heart skipped a beat. He knew she had a knack for flying, even though she'd never played Quidditch for the school team. They'd bonded over their shared love of the sport, and she'd often imagined herself soaring through the air, dodging Bludgers alongside him.

"What do you mean, 'secret weapon'?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and excitement.

Oliver winked. "Let's just say I've seen you catch that snitch in the park. Madam Hooch needs to see that."

Lennon blushed, feeling a mix of flattery and nervousness. She had been practicing, but the thought of playing in front of everyone at Hogwarts was daunting. Before she could respond, Mrs. Weasley's shrill voice called for everyone to board the train. The siblings exchanged goodbye hugs, and Lennon stepped onto the platform with a renewed sense of purpose.

Oliver shares rumors of Hogwarts' Quidditch team's intense preparation for a potential Quidditch Cup victory, hinting that Lennon could be a valuable asset with her exceptional flying skills. Lennon feels a mix of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of joining the team, remembering her casual snitch-catching sessions with Oliver.

As the train pulled out of the station, she found an empty compartment and took a seat by the window, watching as the scenery outside transformed from muggy London to the rolling green hills of the countryside. The anticipation grew stronger with each chug of the engine, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming. The smell of the train's leather seats and the sound of the wheels against the tracks were comforting reminders of a world she missed dearly.